Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. December 6, 2025.
More than 260 parents and caregivers marked a meaningful milestone as they graduated from the Go Baby Go! (GBG) Parenting Programme in ceremonies held on December 6, 2025 at the CDC Multi-Purpose Hall, One Stop Processing Center, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. The graduation brought together families from multiple barangays across Bamban, Tarlac and Mabalacat City, Pampanga who completed the 10 plus session, skills-based parenting program focused on early childhood development, caregiving confidence, and strong parent–child relationships.
The GBG graduation forms part of the Phase II Aeta Family Care Center: Roots to Shoots program supported by Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc. The program is implemented by Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. in partnership with World Vision Development Foundation, Manila Water Foundation and Clark Development Corporation, working together to strengthen early childhood development and caregiver support at the community level.
Building confidence, one family at a time
GBG is designed for mothers starting in pregnancy, fathers, and other primary caregivers of children aged 0–3 years, with the program later extended to caregivers of children aged 3–5 years and to pregnant women as a preventive measure against malnutrition. Using an active and participatory approach, the program builds on local strengths, cultural wisdom, and positive caregiving practices. Sessions combine discussions, demonstrations, hands-on practice, and home reflections, supported by home visits that reinforce learning in real family settings.
Over the course of the program, participants explored holistic child development, responsive caregiving, physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional development, play and toy creation, safe and nurturing home environments, shared family responsibility in childcare, and community action planning.
A graduation that reflects shared effort
The graduation was conducted in two batches, with 122 graduates attending the morning program and 144 graduates in the afternoon, joined by community partners, staff, and guests. Families came from barangays and sitios in Bamban, Tarlac and Mabalacat City, Pampanga, reflecting the program’s reach across two municipalities and multiple communities.
Adding to the celebration, caregivers and community members performed a community dance highlighting the First 1,000 Days, emphasizing the critical importance of nutrition, care, and stimulation from pregnancy through a child’s second birthday. The performance served as a reminder that early investments in children’s well-being shape lifelong health and development.
Voices from the journey
Graduation day also gave space to caregivers and partners to reflect on their experiences.
Melanie Mendoza, a caregiver from Barangay San Vicente, Bamban, shared how the program helped her better understand her child’s needs and strengthened her confidence as a parent. She highlighted learning simple, everyday practices that improved how she communicates, plays, and responds to her child at home. Her story reflected a common theme among graduates. Parenting became less overwhelming when knowledge, support, and community were present.
From Sitio Haduan in Barangay Calumpang, Mabalacat City, Vebirle Flores spoke about how GBG changed her perspective on caregiving. She described becoming more patient and attentive, especially during moments of stress, after learning about sensitive and responsive care. For her, the program reinforced that small, consistent actions make a meaningful difference in a child’s development.
Community partner Aileen Samson, who supported Phase 1 in Barangay San Vicente, Bamban emphasized the value of GBG beyond individual families. She noted that when caregivers are equipped with knowledge and confidence, the impact extends to the wider community, creating safer, more nurturing environments for young children.
Looking ahead
As graduates received their certificates, the celebration underscored that GBG is not an endpoint, but a foundation. Equipped with practical skills, strengthened confidence, and community support, caregivers return to their homes ready to apply what they have learned and to advocate for children’s well-being within their families and barangays.
The December 6 graduation stood as a collective affirmation that investing in caregivers is an investment in children’s futures, and that strong beginnings are built through shared responsibility, learning, and care.
